Speculate what happened to this trailer ramp door (salvage)?

[GON]

Was the losing bidder at $1800 USD ($2800 out the door) on this Wells Cargo trailer at salvage auction last week. The winning bid was $1900 USD, and did not make reserve. The Seller IS NOT AN INSURANCE COMPANY. Seller appears to be an individual. Seller offered a BIN at $9900, which I think is likely more than the trailer sold for new.

My interest in the trailer is simply the location- I need a trailer around Sioux Falls, SD to pick up a motorcycle, so trying to find a somewhat local trailer to buy.

Looking at the pics, I am not sure what happened to the rear ramp door, and more importantly, why the Seller chose to send the trailer to a nearly non inspectable salvage auction, rather than fix himself, or sell locally on Facebook, etc.

Any thoughts on this rear ramp door?

 

[methusaleh]

Why didn’t you just ask the seller?

 

[cptbarkey]

Nice trailer. I imagine sourcing an exact ramp/door was impossible and would need to be custom fabbed.

 

[SubieRubyRoo]

A too-heavy load snapped the door, or was run into while the door was lowered. The hinge should be inspected but other than that I agree it should be a fairly easy fix.

 

[GON]

Why didn’t you just ask the seller?

The Seller placed the trailer at an Insurance Auction, which isolates the Seller from any questions.

 

[wpod]

The door broke

 

[c502cid]

A too-heavy load snapped the door, or was run into while the door was lowered. The hinge should be inspected but other than that I agree it should be a fairly easy fix.

^^^This^^^. The tire marks on the side says it was a car in there, too much weight for that style door.

 

[JohnnyG]

^^^This^^^. The tire marks on the side says it was a car in there, too much weight for that style door.

I don't think so. Those tire marks are more the size of a mower or ATV.

 

[mrsilv04]

I don't think so. Those tire marks are more the size of a mower or ATV.

Agreed. Compare to the 15" spare tire bolted to the front wall in picture #5.

 

[c502cid]

I don't think so. Those tire marks are more the size of a mower or ATV.

Good point!

 

[bullwinkle]

The extra strips on the door indicate that a lot of stuff was driven in & out of it. We have our enclosed trailers beefed up to handle the weight of the equipment we winch up & down ours-and nothing is over 1200 pounds.

 

[Owen Lucas]

Damaged door probably couldn't close so it had to be removed. Should be able to get an OE door, curious how much they will charge though.

 

[SC Maintenance]

If my dad were still with us he would tell you it saw "too much load and too much road".

 

[mrsilv04]

I wonder who "Emkay" is...?

https://www.emkay.com/ ???

 

[c502cid]

Emkay is a fleet leasing company. I sell them parts for upfitted fleet vehicles.

 

[mrsilv04]

The whole Emkay thing makes me wonder if it wasn't in some sort of a fleet, and it was simply damaged to the point that they're not going to deal with all of the time and trouble involved with fixing it.... since it isn't as easy as dropping it off at a body shop for repairs. Much simpler to write it off and send it to the auction, as-is.

 

[c502cid]

The whole Emkay thing makes me wonder if it wasn't in some sort of a fleet, and it was simply damaged to the point that they're not going to deal with all of the time and trouble involved with fixing it.... since it isn't as easy as dropping it off at a body shop for repairs. Much simpler to write it off and send it to the auction, as-is.

It very well could be a leased fleet asset, and the cost to fix exceeds it's value.

 

[GON]

Emkay is a fleet leasing company. I sell them parts for upfitted fleet vehicles.

The only issue is Emkay (Seller) did not accept the final high bid after two consecutive auctions. Usually fleets cut bait quickly- why not on this trailer? I find their buy it now price shocking as appears to be at or more than the trailer likely sold new for.

Interesting and appreciate the thoughts...

 

[mrsilv04]

The only issue is Emkay (Seller) did not accept the final high bid after two consecutive auctions. Usually fleets cut bait quickly- why not on this trailer? I find their buy it now price shocking as appears to be at or more than the trailer likely sold new for.

Interesting and appreciate the thoughts...

Can't explain that. Third times the charm? LOL.

The Buy it Now price might seem reasonable when compared to the price of a new comparable 2024 model.

 

[gfh77665]

It doesn't really matter how or what happened before. Analyse the damage and calculate the cost to fix, then decide if its worth it.